IMPERIAL

HANDBOOK VOLUME 1

MILL 2D
& SOLIDS
THE GUIDE TO MASTERCAM
 Handbook Volume 1

To order more books:

Call 1-800-529-5517 or

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Mastercam 2017 Handbook Volume 1
Copyright: 1998 -2017 In-House Solutions Inc. All rights reserved

Software: Mastercam 2017

Author: In-House Solutions
ISBN: 978-1-77146-565-6
Revision Date: June 3, 2016
Notice
In-House Solutions Inc. reserves the right to make improvements to this manual at any time and without
notice.
Disclaimer Of All Warranties And Liability
In-House Solutions Inc. makes no warranties, either express or implied, with respect to this manual or
with respect to the software described in this manual, its quality, performance, merchantability, or
fitness for any particular purpose. In-House Solutions Inc. manual is sold or licensed "as is." The entire risk
as to its quality and performance is with the buyer. Should the manual prove defective following its
purchase, the buyer (and not In-House Solutions Inc., its distributor, or its retailer) assumes the entire
cost of all necessary servicing, repair, of correction and any incidental or consequential damages. In no
event will In-House Solutions Inc. be liable for direct, indirect, or consequential damages resulting from
any defect in the manual, even if In-House Solutions Inc. has been advised of the possibility of such
damages. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties or liability for
incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
Copyrights
This manual is protected under International copyright laws. All rights are reserved. This document may
not, in whole or part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated or reduced to any electronic
medium or machine readable form without prior consent, in writing, from In-House Solutions Inc.
Trademarks
Mastercam is a registered trademark of CNC Software, Inc.
Microsoft, the Microsoft logo, MS, and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation;
Windows 8 and Windows 10, are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
This document requires Mastercam Mill and Solids for Chapter 5.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents
Legend ........................................................................................................................ 1

Chapters
Introduction To Mastercam ....................................................................................................................3
Mastercam Workspace .........................................................................................................................39
CAD Drawing......................................................................................................................................... 71
Advanced CAD Drawing ......................................................................................................................151
Solid Modeling ....................................................................................................................................211
Drill Toolpaths ....................................................................................................................................251
Contour Toolpaths ..............................................................................................................................327
Pocket, Face, Circle & Slot Mill Toolpaths ..........................................................................................383
High Speed Toolpaths & Feature Based Machining ...........................................................................425
Rotary Toolpaths ................................................................................................................................491
Change Recognition ............................................................................................................................519

Appendix A - Drill Charts ......................................................................................... 535

Appendix B - G & M Codes ...................................................................................... 541
Appendix C - Speed & Feeds.................................................................................... 545

Handbook Volume 1
 Introduction To Mastercam CHAPTER 11

Introduction To Mastercam
1
OBJECTIVES

In this chapter, you will learn what CAD/CAM software is and how Mastercam works. Upon completion of this
chapter, you should be able to do the following:

Understand the CNC Setups.

Understand file types and directory structures.
Start and exit Mastercam.
Mastercam file functions.
Import and export data to other CAD/CAM Systems.
Translation - Neutral and Native.
File Compression

INTRODUCTION

CAD and CAM are the acronyms of Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing, respectively.
CAM/CAM software is used to program CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine tools.

CAD/CAM software allows you to draw or model a part on the computer. This electronic model is accurate and
can be easily modified.

Machining operations can be applied to remove excessive material and to finish the part. The machining
processes are accurately simulated, allowing you to find and resolve problems before running the program on the
machine.

Once you are certain that the machining processes are safe and effective, Mastercam performs all the tedious
calculations and formatting to generate the NC (Numerical Control) code file.

CAD/CAM software is often used to program CNC machine tools because it offers many advantages over manual
programming, including
Faster programming
More efficient CNC programs
Fewer CNC program human errors, resulting in fewer scrapped parts and broken tools

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 CHAPTER 11 Introduction To Mastercam

CNC SETUPS

Parts must be located precisely and held securely during the machining process. Work holding devices are
referred to as fixtures. A fixture can be as simple as a vise with hard jaws. Very complex fixtures, like those used in
the aerospace industry, may cost many thousands of dollars and be designed by highly experienced tooling
engineers.

A few of the many factors influencing work holding include:

Type of material being machined
Number of sides of part to machine
Feature tolerances
Machining forces
Rigidity of the part, before and after material is machined
Cost to manufacture the fixture
Number of times the fixture will be used
Skill level of the machine operator

For example, many parts can be accurately located and held in a vise. If the part is machined on several sides, pay
careful attention to the order in which each face is machined and how the part is flipped between operations.

Production quantity is an important consideration. Higher production volumes usually justify more expensive
tooling to speed production and reduce scrap rate.

Size and type of material and cutting forces also affect fixture choice. A foam or plastic visual prototype may be
simply glued or taped down. More substantial parts can be bolted, clamped, or held with a vacuum.

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 Introduction To Mastercam CHAPTER 11

CNC Setups Vise

A basic vise setup uses a vise, step jaws, vise stop, and stock material machined to size as shown in Figure 1. The
back edge of the fixed step jaw is dial-indicated parallel to the machines X-axis. The vise stop sets a limit to slide
the stock against as new stock material is loaded.

Figure 1

NOTE: Improperly designed setups are extremely dangerous. Parts, tooling, or fixture components can shatter
or be ejected at high speed, causing serious injury or even death. Always wear safety attire (glasses, steel toes,
hearing protection, etc) and observe all machine safety procedures.

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 CHAPTER 11 Introduction To Mastercam

Figure 2 shows the layout of a typical VMC and the location of the spindle when the machine is at its Home
Position.

Figure 2

NOTE: CNC programs are written in terms of the tool tip motion, not table motion. For example, a command of
X1.0 moves the tool to the right (though on a VMC the table will move to the left).

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 Introduction To Mastercam CHAPTER 11

Fixture Offsets

You have probably noticed that when the machine is at its home position, its coordinate system datum is far away
from the part datum. The reason is explained below.

When you first power-up a CNC machine, the machine does not know where the spindle is in the workspace. The
machine finds the spindles position, also known as the machine position, during the startup-home process by
simply driving each machine axis towards its limit. Just before the machine reaches an axis limit, it trips a micro-
switch. This signals the control that the axis is at a known location, called the Machine Home. Home is usually
defined as the center-face of the spindle where the machine is at its axes limits.

Once a machine has been to the Machine Home, the machine keeps track of its own position by measuring how
far each axis moves from Home. Coordinates in relation to the Machine Home are called Machine Coordinates.

The Machine Home position is far from the work piece; hence, programs written in Machine Coordinates will
have numbers that hardly exhibit obvious relations to coordinates on the part. Further, if a fixture is removed, it
will be difficult to put back the fixture exactly where it was, and the CNC program written in Machine Coordinates
will have to be rewritten to account for all the changes. Therefore, Machine Coordinates are rarely employed to
generate CNC programs.

Since a part has its own datum, NC programs can be written in reference to the Part Datum, and such programs
can be easily understood. Figure 3 gives an example of the coordinate system based on the Part Datum.

Figure 3

Any point on the part or fixture can be used to locate the part datum, as long as the points position can be
reliably obtained.

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 CHAPTER 11 Introduction To Mastercam

In Figure 4, the material is machined to the finished size before loading it into a standard six-inch vise with step
jaws. The top of the finished material is the Z-Datum.

The fixed (back) vise jaw is dial-indicated parallel to the machine X-axis. A Vise Stop, in this case an adjustable rod,
allows stock material to be loaded into the vise in the exact same position each time.

The part datum must be located precisely, typically +/- .001 or less. There are many ways to find the part datum.
For example, the XY-Datum can be easily obtained using the Edge Finder to locate the back and left edges of the
part.

Figure 4

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 Introduction To Mastercam CHAPTER 11

Fixture Offset Registers (G54-G59)

The coordinate system is shifted from Machine Home to the Part Datum by a Fixture Offset. A fixture offset is
simply a record of the distance between the Machine Home position and the Part Datum point, which is kept by
the machine control. Each time the NC program commands a move, the machine control checks this record, or
Register, and internally adds this value to that move.

G-codes that are assigned for Fixture Offset are usually G54 through G59, and some machines may allocate more.
Each fixture offset has an XYZ shift value.

In Figure 5, the G54 offset register is called on line (N2) of the NC program. This line of code moves the center of
the spindle from the Machine Home position to directly above the Part Datum.

Figure 5

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 CHAPTER 11 Introduction To Mastercam

Tool Length Offsets (H)

You have probably noticed that the fixture offset in the previous example was used only to shift the datum in the
X-Y directions, not in Z. This is because the Z shift distance changes based on the tool length - how far the tool
extends below the center-face of the spindle. Most tools are of different lengths. Length may also change when
you replace a worn or broken tool.

Shifting the Z-datum is completed by using Tool Length Offsets. Tool offsets function similarly to fixture offsets.
They inform the machine of the location of the tool tip in relation to the part Z-datum. Each tool has its own Tool
Length Offset number. For most machines, Tool Length Offset number is an H-value that uses the same number
as the tool (i.e., T1 uses H1, T2 uses H2, etc).

The H-value is called in the G-code file with the first rapid move to depth along with a G43 (Read Tool Height
Offset Register). This requests the machine to check the H-register value and add this to the move, as shown in
Figure 6.

Figure 6

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 Introduction To Mastercam CHAPTER 11
The previous illustration presents the simplest way to use the Tool Length Offsets. This method is widely used in
prototype and short production. Below is a more detailed description about the method.
The tool is jogged to the Part Z-Datum (in this case, the top of the part).
The incremental distance moved in Z-axis from the home position to the top of the part is recorded and
entered in the appropriate Tool Length Register.
This value represents the shift in Z from the machine home to the Z-Datum of the part.
The value is usually negative; the machine subtracts this value from the Z-position of the spindle, shifting
the tool down towards the part.

There is another method of using the Tool Length Offsets, which employs preset tooling. This method is used
more often in larger companies and long production run work. A more detailed description of the method is as
follows.
The tool length (distance from the center-face of the spindle to the tip of the tool) is accurately measured
in the tool room.
This gage length is entered in the tool-offset register as a positive value.
The fixture offset Z-value represents the distance from the center-face of the spindle to the part Z-datum.
Internally, the control first subtracts the fixture offset from a command move. It then adds the tool gage
length to the move.

NOTE: Some machines have automatic tool probes which measure the length automatically. Follow the
instructions in the machine operator manual for use of tool and fixture offsets with a probe. There are other
ways to use fixture and tool offsets.
They all work, and companies have good reasons to adopt a particular method. But, once you understand how
fixture and tool offsets work, you will easily be able to adapt to whatever method your company or school
uses.

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 CHAPTER 11 Introduction To Mastercam

CNC Setups

Plate work refers to machining sheets or plates of material. The material is manufactured to a specified thickness
that is the same as the finish thickness of the part. Hence no facing operation is required.

The purpose of the fixture plate is to locate accurately the stock material and then keep the part from moving
during machining.

The illustration below shows a typical fixture plate. The fixture base is machined to be flat, square, and parallel.
The plate is engraved with the part name and the coordinates of the part datum in reference to the upper-left
corner, as shown in Figure 7. This makes it easier to reuse the fixture plate.

Figure 7

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 Introduction To Mastercam CHAPTER 11

Example Fixture Plate

The fixture plate below shows the setup just before the first machining operation. After the holes are drilled and
the bolts are inserted through the part, the dowel pins and clamps should be removed if there is any possibility of
a collision with the tool or holder, as shown in Figure 8.

Figure 8

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CHAPTER 11 Introduction To Mastercam

Fixture Plate Components

Component Description

Fixture Plate This is the base on which the fixture is built. For short production and
prototype parts, an aluminum plate is commonly used. It is machined flat,
square, and parallel.

Deburr all sharp edges and holes so that the stock lies flat on the surface
and is not scratched.
Stock A sheet of aluminum stock that is within specification in thickness.

Since an OD contour cut is made all around the part, stock can be sheared
or saw cut to approximate the size.

Deburr and inspect material before placing it in the fixture.

Dowel Pins Dowel holes are drilled and reamed to a diameter of .251 and .375 deep,
providing a slip fit in the holes.

A .093 vent hole is drilled from the bottom of the reamed hole through
the bottom of the plate. This allows air to enter into the space between
the bottom of the dowel pins. Without it, the dowel may become
impossible to remove due to the vacuum created with a blind hole.
Washers Steel cap screws will mar aluminum. Place an aluminum washer or pad
between clamps and an aluminum surface.
Cap Screws Two screws hold the clamps in place during drilling operations. Others are
installed to hold the plate down during the OD contour cut.
Clamps Simple shop-made aluminum clamps hold the part during drilling.

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 Introduction To Mastercam CHAPTER 11

Component Specifications

Below presents an example of the component specifications of a fixture plate.

Component Specifications

Fixture Plate 6061-T6 Aluminum

Width: 6.00
Height: 4.25
Thickness: 0.625 (5/8)
Stock 6061-T6 Sheet Aluminum
Width: 6.00
Height: 4.25
Thickness: 0.063
Dowel Pins Ground Steel
Diameter: 0.250
Height: 0.625 (5/8)
Install: 0.375 Deep
Washers Aluminum
ID: 0.266
OD: 0.50
Thickness: 0.064
Cap 1/4-20 Socket Head
Screws OD: 0.250 Thread
Head Dia: 0.375
Grip Length: 0.75
Clamps 6061-T6 Aluminum
Width: 0.5
Height: 1.0
Thickness: 0.25
Step: 0.063
D-Hole: 0.26 WD x .50 HT
Shop Made

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 CHAPTER 11 Introduction To Mastercam

Process Overview

The following steps show how a simple fixture plate may be set up and used on a vertical machining center.

NOTE: Remove dowel pins after clamps are tightened if there is any chance of the tool impacting the pins.

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 Introduction To Mastercam CHAPTER 11

NOTE: The machine operator is responsible for part quality. This is more than just adjusting a machine offset
to ensure the part is within specification.

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 CHAPTER 11 Introduction To Mastercam

Shoulder Bolts

In cases where you need to position a plate with existing holes, never rely on threaded holes to locate the part.
Instead, use Shoulder Bolts (aka Stripper Bolts) as shown in Figure 9.

Counterbore a hole in the fixture plate the diameter of the bolt shank.

Drill and tap a hole in the bottom of this counterbore to screw in the shoulder bolt.

Figure 9

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 Introduction To Mastercam CHAPTER 11

MASTERCAM FILE TYPES

Mastercam uses several file types, and each file plays a specific role in programming your machine. They are
installed on the computers hard drive in the directories shown in the Mastercam directory structure.

Mastercam automatically keeps track of the file location and extension. Below are the extensions that are most
widely used.

Name Extension(s) Purpose

Mastercam File MCAM Holds drawing and associated toolpath information.

Post Processor PST The Post Processor consists of three files: PST or PSB (Post),
MMD MMD (Machine Definition), and CONTROL (Control
CONTROL Definition).
These act together as a language translator that converts
MCAM file toolpath information into a NC program file that
will run the CNC machine.
G-Code NC This is the G & M code file used to control your machine. The
default extension can be changed if your machine requires a
different one.

MASTERCAM DIRECTORY STRUCTURE

Depending on the type of operating system installed on your computer, Mastercam will install files into different
file paths.

For Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 10 you can find individual files and folders located at Documents\my
mcam2017. Shared files and folders will be located at C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\shared mcam2017.

The Program Files folder will be located at C:\Program Files.

NOTE: Above lists the default locations of files. Mastercam will automatically store files there unless another
location is set. The location of these files can be changed to any location on the computer or network at any
time.

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 CHAPTER 11 Introduction To Mastercam

STARTING MASTERCAM

To start Mastercam double click on the Mastercam 2017 icon on your computer desktop.

If there are no icons on your desktop, do the following

Step 1: Left click on the Windows Start icon, which is usually at the lower left corner of the computer
screen.
Step 2: Move the cursor over All Programs/All Apps.
Step 3: Slide the cursor over the menu, find Mastercam 2017.
Step 4: Move the cursor over the word Mastercam 2017.
Step 5: Click once with the left mouse button. The following screen will appear when Mastercam is started.

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 Introduction To Mastercam CHAPTER 11

GETTING HELP

Mastercam has a network of extensive technical support. Whenever you need help to understand a function or
some setting hit Alt+H or select the Question mark icon.

You can also access the Help menu through the FILE (Backstage).

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 CHAPTER 11 Introduction To Mastercam

The Help menu lists several resources available, including Whats New, Contents, Tutorials, ReadMe, Check for
Updates, Network Licensing and About Mastercam.

If you are a student, your instructor is your primary source for help.

Mastercam has a worldwide network of Authorized Resellers to support industrial customers. Mastercam
resellers are highly qualified and have extensive experience helping customers get the most from their
Mastercam software investment.

The Mastercam forum is an excellent resource. It includes answers to frequently asked questions. Also, the
Forum section lets you post questions and read answers from Mastercam users worldwide. Please visit
www.emastercam.com for more information.

Additionally, a complete line of Mastercam manuals is available at www.emastercam.com/store.

Page |22 Handbook Volume 1

 Introduction To Mastercam CHAPTER 11

MASTERCAM FILE (BACKSTAGE) FUNCTIONS

Mastercam 2017 features a new ribbon interface that is similar with other software such as Microsoft Office
products which makes it easier to find the functions you need to complete your part. Most functions in
Mastercam can be accessed using a ribbon tab.

Click FILE to access the Backstage view.

File functions are used to manage MCAM and other file types. You can also access information about the current
file, customize the interface open the help or connect with the Mastercam community. The following functions
are available in the Backstage view.

Handbook Volume 1 Page |23


Symbols
# Finish Cuts .................................................. 411
Numerics
2D Contour ................................................... 349
2D/3D Drawing Mode ................................... 178
2D/3D Mode ................................................... 44
3D Cartesian Coordinate System .................. 172
3D Contour ................................................... 350
A
Absolute coordinates ...................................... 75
Absolute/Incremental ................................... 283
Air regions ..................................................... 428
All Mastercam X Files ...................................... 28
Analyze Chain ............................................... 342
Arc ................................................................... 82
Arc Filter/Tolerance ...................................... 376
Arc Options ................................................... 100
Arc Ribbon Bar .............................................. 101
Arc/Filter Tolerance ...................................... 439
Arcs ................................................................. 99
Area Mill - Cut Parameters ........................... 441
Area Mill - Transitions ................................... 443
Area Mill - Trochoidal Motion ...................... 442
Area Mill Toolpath ........................................ 440
AutoCursor Cues ............................................. 95
Automated Hole Processing ......................... 323
Avoidance Regions ........................................ 428
Axes Designation .......................................... 492
Axis Substitution ........................................... 504
Axis Substitution Toolpaths .......................... 514
B ) 175
Backplot ........................................................ 309
Backplot Example ......................................... 313
Backplot Home Tab ....................................... 310
Backplot View Tab ........................................ 313
Base Feature .........................................213, 216
Bisecting lines ................................................. 86
Blend Mill - Cut Parameters .......................... 450
Blend Mill - Lead In/Out ............................... 452
Blend Mill Toolpath ...................................... 450
Boolean .................................................213, 234
Boolean Add ................................................. 214
Bore .............................................................. 254
Bore In-Out (G85) ......................................... 297
Boss ............................................................... 212
Bounding Box ........................................119, 124
Brick Solid ..................................................... 213
INDEX
C
CAD Drawing ................................................... 71
CAD/CAM .......................................................... 3
Canned Text .................................................. 412
Cartesian Coordinate System ......................... 73
Center Drill .................................................... 254
Centerline Vs Of Center Machining .............. 505
Chain Feature Options .................................. 334
Chaining ........................................................ 330
Chaining Example ......................................... 338
Chaining Options .......................................... 336
Chaining Problems ........................................ 339
Chamfer ................................................108, 213
Chamfer Contour .......................................... 351
Chamfer Ribbon Bar ..................................... 109
Change Recognition ..............................519, 524
Change Recognition Step By Step ................. 530
Changing Toolpaths ...................................... 307
Changing Views ............................................... 50
Check All Tracked Files ................................. 523
Check Current File ........................................ 521
Circle Mill Toolpath ....................................... 416
Clear All Solid Face and Feature Color .......... 236
Climb vs Conventional Machining ................ 357
Color .........................................................44 , 47
Communicate ............................................... 321
Compensation Direction ............................... 359
Configuation ................................................... 66
Configure AutoCursor Dialog .......................... 96
Constant Radius ............................................ 227
Construction Depth (Z
Construction Depth Example ........................ 176
Construction Plane (Cplane) ......................... 173
Containment regions .................................... 428
Contour Break Through ................................ 371
Contour Cut Parameters ............................... 347
Contour Depth Cuts ...................................... 365
Contour Lead In/Out ..................................... 367
Contour Linking Parameters ......................... 374
Contour Multi Passes .................................... 372
Contour Remachining ................................... 355
Contour Tool Selection ................................. 329
Contour Tool Types ....................................... 328
Contour Toolpath ......................................... 330
Contour Toolpaths ................................327, 378
Coolant ......................................................... 439
Copy WCS ..................................................... 265
Handbook Volume 1 Page|553
 INDEX
Counterbore ................................................. 254
Counterbore (G82) ....................................... 290
Countersink .................................................. 254
CPlane 2 Lines Example ................................ 183
Cplane Flat Entity Example ........................... 185
Cplane Normal .............................................. 190
Cplane Rotate ............................................... 186
Create a New Toolbar ..................................... 60
Create New Folder .......................................... 28
Create Points ................................................ 114
Creating Arcs ................................................. 104
Creating Axis Substitution Toolpaths ............ 508
Creating Contour Toolpaths ......................... 330
Creating Fillets .............................................. 107
Creating Lines ................................................. 90
Creating Planes ............................................. 180
Creating Pocket Toolpaths ............................ 386
Customize Drop Downs/Context Menu RMB . 62
Customize Drop Downs/RMB ......................... 62
Customizing Toolbars ..................................... 53
Cut ................................................................ 212
Cut Parameters - Facing ................................ 461
Cut Parameters - Restmil .............................. 464
Cut Parameters - Roughing ........................... 463
Cutter Compensation ................................... 358
Cutter Compensation in Computer .............. 360
Cutter Compensation in Control ................... 361
D Face Toolpath ............................................... 413
Datum ............................................................. 78
Delete ........................................................... 126
Delete Duplicates .......................................... 340
Delete duplicates .......................................... 340
Depth Cut Order ........................................... 411
Disjoint Body .........................................213, 225
Draft .............................................................. 213
Draft Faces ............................................215, 236
Drafting ...................................................82, 125
Drawing Using Cplane ................................... 177
Drill ............................................................... 254
Drill Cut Parameters ..................................... 280
Drill Cycles .................................................... 285
Drill Linking Parameters ................................ 281
Drill Location Selection ................................. 274
Drill Point Manager ....................................... 308
Drill Tip Compensation ................................. 282
Drill Tool Selection ........................................ 255
Drill toolpaths ............................................... 271
Drilling Selection ........................................... 272
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Drop Down Menu ........................................... 41
Dynamic Contour - Contour Wall ................. 445
Dynamic Contour - Cut Parameters .............. 444
Dynamic Contour Toolpath ........................... 444
Dynamic Mill - Break Through ...................... 437
Dynamic Mill - Cut Parameters ..................... 431
Dynamic Mill - Depth Cuts ............................ 433
Dynamic Mill - Entry Motion ......................... 434
Dynamic Mill - Linking Parameters ............... 438
Dynamic Mill - Rest Material ........................ 436
Dynamic Mill Toolpath .................................. 430
Dynamic Planes ............................................. 182
Dynamic Xform ............................................. 152
E
Edge .............................................................. 212
Editor ............................................................ 319
Ellipse ............................................................ 119
English/Metric .............................................. 165
Enter Coordinate Values and AutoCursor Toolbar 93
Entering Numeric Data ................................... 97
Entry Chain ................................................... 428
Extrude .................................................214, 217
Extrude Base Feature .................................... 221
Extrude Dialog Box ....................................... 218
Extrude Direction .......................................... 213
F
Face ............................................................... 212
Facing Pockets .............................................. 391
Facing Tools .................................................. 458
FBM Additional Settings .......................471, 487
FBM Circle Mill Parameters .......................... 468
FBM Deep Drilling ......................................... 478
FBM DRill ...................................................... 473
FBM Drill Circle Mill Parameters ...........481, 482
FBM Drill Hole Detection .............................. 475
FBM Drill Hole Mapping ............................... 477
FBM Drill Linking Parameters ....................... 486
FBM Drill Setup ............................................. 473
FBM Drill Tools .............................................. 485
FBM Features ........................................472, 488
FBM Helix Bore Parameters ..................470, 484
FBM Hole Milling .......................................... 481
FBM Hole Milling Parameters ....................... 466
FBM Linking Parameters ............................... 471
FBM Mill ....................................................... 455
FBM Pre Drilling ............................................ 480
FBM Setup .................................................... 455

FBM Spot Drilling .......................................... 479
FBM Wall Finish ............................................ 465
Feature ......................................................... 213
Feature Based Machining ............................. 453
Feature Detection ......................................... 457
File Compression ............................................ 36
File Name ........................................................ 28
File Save .......................................................... 29
File Tracking .................................................. 520
Fillet ......................................................106, 213
Fillet Ribbon Bar ........................................... 106
Find Features ................................................ 236
Finish Step .................................................... 411
Finish Tools ................................................... 460
Fit Screen ........................................................ 49
Function Prompt ............................................. 41
G Mastercam File Functions ............................... 23
G-Code ................................................14, 15, 19
General Selection Toolbar ............................ 127
Geometry Nesting ........................................ 152
Getting Help .................................................... 21
Graphic Area ................................................... 41
Group/Results ............................................... 156
Groups ......................................................45, 54
H More Point Function ..................................... 114
Helix .............................................................. 119
HMC Setups .................................................. 495
Holder Page .................................................. 279
Hole-Axis ....................................................... 237
I
Incremental coordinates ................................ 75
Index Toolpaths ............................................ 496
Island Facing Pockets .................................... 393
Island taper angle ......................................... 411
K
Keep Tool Down ............................................ 411
Key Mapping ................................................... 64
Keyboard command ....................................... 41
Keyboard Commands ..................................... 52
L
Lathe Radius Lathe Diameter ........................ 182
Layout ........................................................... 215
Letter Options ............................................... 123
Letters ...................................................119, 122
Level ................................................................ 45
Line ................................................................. 82
Line Ribbon Bars ............................................. 88
INDEX
Line Style ......................................................... 44
Line Width ................................................44, 47
Lines ................................................................ 84
List Options ..................................................... 28
Loft ................................................213, 214, 236
Look In ............................................................ 28
M
Machine Group Properties - Files ................. 268
Machine Group Properties - Stock Setup ..... 270
Machine Group Properties - Tool Settings ... 269
Machine type ................................................ 256
Machining regions ........................................ 427
Machining Splines ......................................... 375
Mastercam Code Expert ............................... 319
Mastercam Coordinate Systems .............80, 172
Mastercam File ...................................14, 15, 19
Mastercam Geometry .................................... 81
Mastercam Programming Process ................ 252
Mastercam Workspace ................................... 40
Max Rough Step ............................................ 411
Mirror ...................................................152, 159
Mitered Corners ........................................... 227
Model Prep ................................................... 236
Mouse Cursor ................................................. 41
Mouse View Commands ................................. 51
Move ............................................................. 240
Move To Origin ............................................. 197
Move to Origin .............................................. 152
Multiple Machining Region .......................... 427
N
Named Views .................................................. 49
Native File Types ............................................. 34
Native Files ..................................................... 33
Neutral File Translations ................................. 31
New ................................................................. 24
O
Offset ............................................................ 166
Offset Contour .............................................. 167
Offset Contour Example ............................... 170
Open ............................................................... 24
Open chain extension to stock ..................... 428
Open External ................................................. 24
Open Pockets ................................................ 398
Origin .............................................................. 41
Overflow ....................................................... 227
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 INDEX
Overlapping entities ..................................... 340
P Reading CAD Data ........................................... 30
Parallel lines .................................................... 86
Pattern .......................................................... 214
Peck Drill (G83) ............................................. 293
Peel Mill - Cut Parameters ............................ 447
Peel Mill Toolpath ......................................... 446
Perpendicular lines ......................................... 85
Plane Indexing ......................................496, 497
Plane Manager .............................................. 261
Plane Selection ............................................... 43
Planes = Gview .............................................. 182
Planes = WCS ................................................ 182
Planes By Geometry ..................................... 182
Pocket Chaining ............................................ 387
Pocket Cut Parameters ................................. 388
Pocket Cutting Methods ............................... 401
Pocket Depth Cuts ........................................ 411
Pocket Entry Motion ..................................... 403
Pocket Finishing ............................................ 409
Pocket Helical Entry ...................................... 407
Pocket Lead In/Out ....................................... 410
Pocket Ramp Entry ....................................... 405
Pocket Remachining ..................................... 395
Pocket Roughing Parameters ....................... 400
Pocket Tool Selection ................................... 384
Pocket Toolpath ............................................ 384
Pocket Tools .................................................. 384
Pocket Types ................................................. 389
Pockets with Islands ..................................... 390
Point .......................................................82, 109
Point Options ................................................ 111
Point Ribbon Bar ........................................... 112
Point Style .................................................44, 47
Polar Coordinates ........................................... 76
Polygon ......................................................... 119
Post Process .................................................. 318
Post Processo ......................................14, 15, 19
Pre-Defined WCS .......................................... 259
Print ................................................................ 24
Print Preview .................................................. 24
Project ..................................................152, 193
Propagate Along Tangencies ........................ 227
Push-Pull ...............................................236, 237
Push-Pull Example ........................................ 238
R Solid Fillet ..................................................... 236
Radius ........................................................... 227
Ramp Contours ............................................. 353
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Rapid Height G98/G99 .................................. 299
Reamer ......................................................... 254
Recognition ................................................... 213
Rectangle ...................................................... 119
Rectangle Options ........................................ 121
Rectangle Ribbon Bar ................................... 121
Rectangles .................................................... 120
Rectangular Array .................................152, 196
Red X ............................................................... 28
Remove Faces ............................................... 236
Retrieving Numeric Data ................................ 98
Revolve .........................................213, 214, 236
Right Hand Rule ....................................190, 493
Right Mouse Button ........................................ 28
RMB ................................................................ 41
Roll ................................................................ 152
Rotary Feed Rates ......................................... 506
Rotate ...................................................152, 162
Rotate Direction ........................................... 163
Rotate Toolpath ............................................ 500
Rough End Mill .............................................. 385
Roughing Tools ............................................. 459
S
Save ................................................................ 24
Save As ............................................................ 24
Save Some ...................................................... 24
Scale ......................................................152, 164
Select Library Tool ........................................ 345
Select Only .................................................... 134
Selection Override Options .......................... 129
Sheet Solid .................................................... 213
Shell .............................................................. 213
Simple Drill (G81 ........................................... 287
Simulate the toolpath in Verify .................... 315
Slot Mill Toolpath ......................................... 419
Solid Add Boss .............................................. 224
Solid Body ..................................................... 212
Solid Chamfer ............................................... 229
Solid Chamfer Dialog Boxes .......................... 230
Solid Chamfer Edge Example ........................ 231
Solid Constant Radius Fillet Dialog Box ........ 227
Solid Cut ........................................................ 224
Solid Distance And Angle Chamfer ............... 236
Solid Face-Face Fillet .................................... 236
Solid Fillet Floor Example .............................. 228
Solid One-Distance Chamfer ......................... 215

Solid Options ................................................. 213
Solid Shell ..................................................... 215
Solid Terms ................................................... 212
Solid Two-Distance Chamfer ......................... 236
Solid-Draft ..................................................... 220
Solids ............................................................... 81
Solids Fillet .................................................... 226
Solids Manager ............................................. 232
Solids Menu .................................................. 214
Spiral ............................................................. 119
Spline .............................................................. 82
Spot Drill ....................................................... 254
Standard Pockets .......................................... 389
Starting Mastercam ........................................ 20
Stretch .......................................................... 152
Subprogram .................................................. 411
Surfaces .......................................................... 81
Sweep ...........................................213, 214, 236
System Defined Cplanes ............................... 174
T Views .............................................................. 49
Tangent lines .................................................. 85
Tap ................................................................ 254
Taper angle ................................................... 411
Tapered Wall ................................................ 411
Tapping (G84) ............................................... 295
Thicken .................................................215, 236
Thin Wall ....................................................... 213
Thread Mill .................................................... 378
Toggle Operations Manager ........................... 54
Tool Page ...................................................... 277
Toolpath Controls ......................................... 304
Toolpath Display Colors ................................ 529
Toolpath Properties ...................................... 267
Toolpath Type Page ...................................... 276
Toolpaths Manager ....................................... 301
Toolpaths/Solids Manager .............................. 41
Tracking Options ........................................... 522
Transform Commands .................................. 152
Transform Toolpath ...................................... 500
Translate ...............................................152, 153
Translate 3D ..........................................152, 191
INDEX
Translate 3D Example ................................... 192
Translation Problems ...................................... 35
Tree View List ............................................... 275
Trim ......................................................215, 236
Trim/Break .................................................... 115
Trim/Break Options ...................................... 115
Trim/Break Ribbon Bar ................................. 116
Trimming ...................................................... 117
U
Undo/Redo ..................................................... 98
Use Island Depths ......................................... 411
User Defined Cplanes ................................... 180
User-Defined WCS ................................260, 264
Using WCS ..................................................... 262
Using Wear Compensation ........................... 364
V
View Summary Report .................................. 528
View Toolbars ................................................. 49
Viewport Axes ................................................. 41
VMC Setups .................................................. 494
W
Watertight .................................................... 213
Wear Compensation ..................................... 363
Window Control ............................................. 41
Wireframe ...................................................... 81
Wireframe Geometry ..................................... 82
Wireframe Geometry Options ........................ 83
Work Coordinate System (WCS) ................... 258
X
Xform Roll ..................................................... 510
Xform Unroll ................................................. 512
Z
Z
45
Zip2 Go ............................................................ 37
Zoom Selected ................................................ 49
Zoom Window ................................................ 49
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